When we think of massage therapy, we often focus on the therapeutic benefits of the massage itself — excellent technique, soothing touch, and perfect pressure. However, a truly amazing holistic massage session should engage all the senses — touch, smell, sight, sound — to create the most relaxing atmosphere possible. When designing your perfectly holistic massage room, work on establishing a soothing, calming, and peaceful ambiance. From the lighting, to the paint colours, to the scents circulating the room, here are some tips on your perfect massage room:
In your massage practice, your clients come to you with various needs and preferences. You might have a client who prefers to have a fairly straightforward, clinical session focused on sports rehabilitation. In this case, you both might prefer brighter light in the room while working. On the other hand, you might have a client who schedules massages in the hopes of experiencing a blissful 60 minutes of relaxation. For this client, a dim and relaxing lighting situation is preferable.
Because your clients' needs are so variable, you need lighting that's easy to moderate. Consider the perks of LED lighting for massage, where you can operate your lights on dimmers that suit your needs. In addition, consider any curtains, blinds, or drapes you might require in order to filter natural light — or allow some in, depending on the circumstances. Whatever you decide, ensure that the lighting you choose for your massage room is easy to customise based on your clients' needs.
Your patients come to you for relaxation, therapeutic touch, and a break from sometimes stressful lives. When you're planning your perfect room, make sure that you're making that experience as convenient and private as possible. In many cases, this will depend upon your holistic massage room's setting. If you're working in a physiotherapist's office or at a spa, then the establishment likely will provide adequate bathrooms, parking, and accessibility for clients. However, if you're setting up your own in-home office, consider the following:
If your massage room is bright orange, you may want to rethink your strategy. Though you can certainly customise your room to include colours that you find pleasant or enjoyable, it's important to balance your preferences with your clients' needs. In fact, there's a whole realm of science, called chromatics, based on the science of colour and mood. Consider some of these colour schemes when painting your perfect massage room:
For many massage therapists, decorating their office with calming, peaceful decor can be very enjoyable. For example, you might want to consider a Himalayan salt lamp that casts a pleasant light in the room. Perhaps you have a favourite artist who creates peaceful, beautiful watercolour prints. Even the furniture is important — is there a special chair on which a client can place his or her belongings? Do you have a soft, slip-free mat to place near the client's feet for when they exit the massage table?
As you choose decor for your room, ensure that each piece will create the optimal environment for your clients. For example, if you love the idea of incorporating plants in the space, make sure that you're choosing plants that won't trigger allergic reactions in anyone. When picking wall hangings or art, carefully consider if the art would make anyone uncomfortable. Again, your room should be a perfect balance of your aesthetic — mixed with healthy respect for your clients' comfort.
Since your clients will be spending the majority of their time on the massage table during the session, it's important to ensure that it's as comfortable as possible. First of all, you definitely want to invest in a solidly-built, high-quality massage table. Though these can be expensive, it's often possible to purchase a great massage table second-hand. Once you have your table set, consider the following:
At the end of the day, all you require in order to be an excellent massage therapist is your compassion, your two hands, and a great relationship with your clients. However, having the right massage equipment can elevate your practice and help you stand out as a professional. In addition to your amazing outfitted massage table, consider the following equipment for your room:
We all know that essential oil scents like lavender can have incredible calming benefits, but that doesn't mean you should heavily spray or diffuse lavender essential oil before each session. Clients with chemical or scent sensitivities can sometimes have strong reactions to even mild scents, so it's important to discuss options with your client before the session.
If your client does enjoy essential oil smells in a massage, give them choices. Use high-quality essential oils and consider using a diffuser in your room during sessions. When possible, air your massage room out between sessions so that no smell becomes overwhelming or overpowering in your perfect massage room.
Along with designing a perfect massage room, you can take your massage practice to the next level by joining a professional membership like IICT. Our professional membership offers insurance for a variety of holistic modalities. In addition, we offer support and resources to help you expand your holistic massage therapy career.
To find out more, feel free to contact us today.